Renter's Guide to Boulder

With the Rocky Mountains to its west, and 151 miles of nature trails on all sides, Boulder is a rare blend of city life and scenic beauty at high elevations. The Boulder Flatirons’ gentle slopes in the horizon imbues a peaceful and dreamlike tranquility over the surrounding landscape, giving Boulder its nickname as “the city nestled between the mountains and reality”.

Geographically speaking, Boulder is fairly secluded, but with a tightknit community. It’s a 30-mile drive from Denver to Boulder (a relatively quick jaunt for work commutes and day trips alike), and 97 miles northwest of Colorado Springs and its awe-inspiring landmarks. Boulder is about 6 times smaller than Denver (and a fraction as populated), and roughly 8 times smaller than Colorado Springs (with about a quarter of the population).

Boulder’s climate is that of a high desert, and the weather in Boulder is pleasant year-round. Winter (December-February) averages 34 F, and has alternating periods of warm and wintry weather. Spring (March-May) has an agreeable dry heat, averaging 49 F. Summer (June-August) has very low humidity, averaging 70 F. Autumn (September-November) can go either way – wintry and windy, or unseasonably warm; 52 F is the average.

Boulder, CO Demographics

Total Population120,723

Female61,684

Male59,040

Median Age33.14

Cost of Living in Boulder, CO

RTD provides 9 routes to cover the city of Boulder, and an average cost for a bus ticket in Boulder is $2.50; regional tickets are $4.50, monthly passes are $171, and annual passes are about $2,000. Discounted fares apply to all seniors ages 65 and over, disabled individuals, Medicare participants, and students ages 6-19. The average commute time in Boulder is 22 minutes, 3 minutes faster than the national average.

The cost of living in Boulder falls squarely within the national average. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $12.50 (50 cents more than the national average), a bottled soft drink is $1.61 (a dime less than the national average), and it’s $2.40 for a loaf of bread (within 10-cents of the national average). For utilities, Boulder residents typically pay $143 per month in a 915-square foot apartment (the nation average is $146).

Boulder, CO Average Rent

Boulder, CO Average Rental Price, December, 2016$1,542/mo

Studio$1,108

1 Bedroom$1,455

2 Bedrooms$1,846

Boulder, CO Apartment Rent Ranges

5%$701-$1,000

35%$1,001-$1,500

37%$1,501-$2,000

23%> $2,000

Boulder, CO Rent Trends

All Rentals

Studio

1 Bed

2 Beds

3 Beds

Average Rent

December, 2016

$1,542

$1,108

$1,455

$1,846

May / 2016

$1,599

$1,124

$1,422

$1,768

Jan / 2016

$1,525

$1,144

$1,376

$1,788

Sept / 2015

$1,506

$1,129

$1,381

$1,833

May / 2015

$1,505

$1,112

$1,362

$1,832

Jan / 2015

$1,402

$956

$1,267

$1,617

Sept / 2014

$1,345

$915

$1,218

$1,603

May / 2014

$1,316

$934

$1,193

$1,564

Jan / 2014

$1,241

$917

$1,149

$1,512

Sept / 2013

$1,252

$876

$1,143

$1,520

May / 2013

$1,214

$890

$1,117

$1,475

Jan / 2013

$1,111

$863

$1,036

$1,376

/

Average rent is projected to grow by 5% in 2016 compared to 2015.

Please note that projected rent growth is calculated at city level.

Average rent values on this page are aggregated from data from the following zip codes: 803018030280303803048030580310

Living in Boulder

There are many reasons why you should move to Boulder: nature abounds, the natives’ progressive and friendly attitudes are refreshing, and the transportation system is reliable enough to live without a car. However, a high cost of living and a lack of overall diversity are two negatives of living in Boulder. At the same time, Boulder was voted the Healthiest City in Colorado by USA Today in 2015.

Things to do in Boulder

If you are looking for things to do in Boulder, CO, then be prepared to be pleasantly overwhelmed. Whether you want free things to do, outdoor activities, or any other kinds of attractions & points of interest imaginable, Boulder CO is ready to oblige.

For things to do with kids, the Boulder Reservoir has plenty of beachfronts to splash the day away, and the Gateway Fun Park in northern Boulder has the mini golf, go-karts, and batting cages necessary to entertain kids all day. If they don’t play baseball, then the Boulder Indoor Soccer complex offers youth and adult leagues.

For free fun in Boulder, check out the Boulder Public Library, or, if you really want to make a difference, then volunteer for the Boulder Humane Society! Speaking of making a difference, the annual “Bolder Boulder” is a 10k race that has been raising money for everything from rehabilitation programs to food drives since 1979.

Boulder has no shortage of attractions for couples. You can see the latest flicks in stadium seats at the Century Theater, or you can watch them at the Boulder Theater, a true Art Deco-style “century theater” that has been around since 1906, instead. You can learn new relaxing postures at the Yoga Pod, but if you don’t feel like sitting, then the amazing Fox Theater dance club (voted one of the “Best Big Rooms in America” by Rolling Stone Magazine) is waiting for you and your moves. If you’re a sporty couple, you can find the best ski and snowboarding equipment at Boulder Ski Deals. Otherwise, the Apple Store and the Pearl Street Mall (along with the other spectacular downtown Boulder stores) offer the best places for shopping in Boulder.

Want to know the best restaurants in Boulder? Blackjack Pizza and Cosmo’s Pizza have got you covered for a slice, The Kitchen is an upscale bistro in downtown Boulder, Japango is your source for Japanese delicacies and great specials, and you can hum to your favorite musicals over gourmet food at the Boulder Dinner Theater. Although these are the best restaurants in Boulder, if you feel like cooking, the Boulders Farmers Market offers the freshest local ingredients from April to November.

Employment and Economy

Boulder’s strong local economy is due to thriving aerospace, software development, bioscience, and outdoor recreation industries. Ball Aerospace and Boulder Running Company are both headquartered in Boulder, CO, and the Boulder Community Hospital is another major employer (graded “A” by a national safety survey).

Boulder, CO Households

Total Number of Households52,669

Family23,176

Non-family29,493

Children10,228

No Children42,438

Average People Per Household2.23

Median Household Income$59,696

Median Household Disposable Income$55,358

Boulder, CO Crime Rate and Statistics

National Average

Below Average

100

Above Average

Total Crime Risk

99

Assault Risk

46

Automotive Theft Risk

102

Property Crime Risk

114

Rape Risk

165

Robbery Risk

35

Top Colleges in Boulder

The University of Colorado in Boulder remains ahead of the technological curve by utilizing the Desire2Learn (D2L CU) online interface for educational experiences outside of the classroom. Meanwhile, four students from the Boulder Valley School district have won medals in the “National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards” of 2016.

Boulder, CO Education Statistics

2%No High School

2%Some HighSchool

14%Some College

4%Associate Degree

39%Bachelor Degree

38%Graduate Degree

Tips for Renting in Boulder

In Boulder, tenant rights include a legal obligation to your security deposit within 72 hours in the event of a gas leak requiring evacuation. Also, a caveat: the landlord can evict you for literally no reason, but must give you adequate notice as per your lease.

If you are moving to Boulder from Chicago, you’ll be happy to know that this is a bike-friendly city with much warmer weather than what you’re used to in “The Windy City”. If you’re unsure about the move, stay at the Millennium Harvest House hotel to see the best of Boulder!

Most Expensive Rental

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